Local community members concerned about the coastal environment founded Keepers of the Coast, a 501(c)3 non profit organization, in 2007 to help raise awareness of coastal clean up and preservation among our coastal community. Our local beaches house sea turtles, the Anastasia Island Beach Mouse, countless shore birds including the Least Tern, and simultaneously provide a number of recreational op
portunities for residents and visitors as well. From triathlons, to paddle tennis tournaments, to recreational fishing, to surfing, our beaches are a true testament to the quality of life enjoyed by people who spend time in North East Florida. Keepers of the Coast began as a small group of residents concerned about local conservation issues, specifically those affecting the beaches and oceans so important to the founding members. To that end, Keepers of the Coast set out to organize the first annual Sea Turtle Education Festival. The positive community response to the Sea Turtle Festival further instilled in founding members’ minds how educating the public is one part of conservation work, but actually conducting stewardship is another piece of the puzzle that’s just as important. Keepers of the Coast now organizes beach cleanups prior to and during the sea turtle nesting season to further engage the community in playing an active part in caring for their local beaches, not only for their own recreational enjoyment but also to the benefit of the coastal wildlife that utilizes this important habitat. Keepers of the Coast has also supported a multitude of small education or conservation projects including, installing cigarette butt container at beach parks, supporting 4H Marine Ecology program, and working with local community groups.
